Garcia expects to play Sunday

With a bounce in his step, quarterback Jeff Garcia stepped up to a podium Wednesday at One Buc Place and declared himself healthy enough to play Sunday at Houston after missing last week's game with a back bruise.

"I believe that I will play," said Garcia, 37. "I'm preparing to play. I'm sure they will leave that somewhat up to me, and as far as I'm concerned I want to be out there playing. And I don't think that I'm risking anything. I feel like I'm getting back to a place where I'm healthy again. Of course, it's not without some aches, but that's just part of the soreness working it's way out. I feel good about where my healthy is and where I'm headed."

Backup Luke McCown threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns, including the winner with 14 second left, in a 27-23 victory at New Orleans that gave Tampa Bay a commanding three-game lead in the NFC South. The Bucs can clinch the division with a win Sunday, or losses by the Saints and Panthers.

Comments

[Matt]

Good to have Jeff back and its good to have a 26 year old backup that is able to step in and throw for 300 yards. We probably don't need to burn a high draft pick looking for a QB of the future in 2008.

On another topic, did anyone notice the size of Gruden's belly during the Saints game? He must have put on 40 pounds in the last year. Has he been dining with the O-Line or something?

[Tom]

Haha, I noticed that too Matt. He's getting rounder and rounder.

I just want to say just something to all the Gruden haters I've been battling with all season. Did any of you read Shelton's article? You guys have been trying to find every way to crucify this guy. Now he has brought our team from the graveyard to the doorsteps of a division title. And he did it with a very young and makeshift team. However, I am sure all of you bandwagon fans will break out your "Got Chucky?" t-shirts now. John P, Aaron, DR, do you agree with me now that Jon Gruden is very good coach?

[DR]

The guy plays one good game in his career against a terrible defense and everybody is happy with it, amazing. No need to look for a future QB, this guy is the man after one game.
Ryan Leaf had a game with a 111 QB rating. Any scrub can have a good game. I would like to see McCown start to see if he does have something in him. Two games is still nothing to talk about but at least it would be two games. Plus, I know its a low risk, but they shouldn't rush Garcia back into the game. They can lose every game and still have a home game. No need to rush.

[DR]

Tom, Gruden made the playoffs two years ago. This team won a division that , by the end of the season, they could have won with a 7-9 record. That doesn't impress me. Let's see what they do with a home game in the playoffs and then maybe i'll say he's a good coach. If he can get this team to the playoffs consistently, than he'll be a very good coach. Remember this division; the Falcons will be the favorites to win the South next year. That's a terrible trend.

[JT]

Sorry DR but that trend is going to end with the Bucs. I can't see ATL continuing this trend and I doubt you or anybody else can either cuz they're going to be crap next season. Keep in mind the only reason this has become a trend is becuase over the last 5 seasons each team in the NFC South has been very good at one time or another. Now ATL sucks and they will suck for a few years to come. With NO, TB and Car this division next year will again be among the best.

I still think the Bucs need to address the QB situation. McCown played great against a terrible Aints defense and Jeff Garcia is 37 years old. There is no responsible reason why we should stand pat at this position.

Gruden and Allen should both get 5 year extensions. Over the last 3 rebuilding seasons they both have built a team that proved they can win 10+ games as long as they have a competent QB.

[Daniel]

I don't know who else out there reads SI, but Dr Z gave me this stat: NFL record for games won with a different starting quarterback-12, Jon Gruden. Peter King said this about the Bucs ranking them eighth in his recent fine fifteen.
"Tampa Bay is allowing 15.5 points per game. The Bucs have won four in a row. That shudder you hear is from the Packers, who will not have an easy afternoon at Lambeau on the second weekend of January -- if that's the divisional matchup."
He also named Luke offensive player of the week and Gruden coach of the week saying this about Gruden:
"Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden. You know how we all laugh behind Gruden's back about his fascination with quarterbacks, and how he wished he could have seven on his roster instead of three, and how he still goes to bed at night dreaming of Jake Plummer. (Which, by the way, I have no doubt he does.) The Bucs are 8-4, and the decidedly non-Super Bowlish trio of Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski have combined to win eight of 12 games, complete 65 percent of their passes, throw for 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, with a rating of 93.7. For a frame of reference, Peyton Manning has a 92.5 rating. Gruden and his staff have done one heck of a job with other teams' roster marginalia."
In case you missed it.

[Nick]

Man we got some ungrateful Buc fans on this board. Gruden is an elite coach and we should be thankful that we have his services now and hope to have them until he retires.

Now about Mccown, again you Buc haters got it all wrong. You see with McCown on the field Gruden can be the GENIUS he is by going deep into his playbook. With Garcia we get a glorified scale down version of his offense ( Like NO expected) How many time has Garcia thrown to 10 recievers this year? ( 0 ) thats right none, At best 6. With McCown on the field we saw a different Gruden play calling. In fact thats the play calling we need to reach the Championship game and we won't get it with Garcia on the field.

This is a different offense with McCown at the helm. But I guess we started the season with Garcia and we will end it with him. Can you imagine if Gruden yold the Glazers he was going to start McCown at the start of the year after going 4-12 with a rookie last year!! He would have lost his job before the season started. Yes McCown is the future of this team, in fact Simms may not be a Buc because of McCown. Go Buc's Go!!!

[Chet]

Hey, Gruden beats Marvin Lewis. Remember, before Gruden, Lewis was the guy when McKay was the GM and the Glazers thought better of it. Just look back and think of what could have been.

The Bucs could have been a team of David Boston's and the worst defense in the NFL. While I watched that Sunday night game that's what I thought as I watched that pathetic team show no heart again.

[Tom]

Great observation Chet and Daniel. Nick, I was excited about McCown also. But you're going way over the top with that assessment. C'mon, that was the first good game of his short career. Let's not crown him in Canton like Skylar is doing with Gradkowski.

[Nick]

Tom I agree, sorry if I sound like I'm crowning McCown, that not the case. Everybody in the media is talking about Grudens play calling this past weekend and it's because he had A team on the field that been together for a few years and knows his playbook. Garcia has been with us 9 months and hasn't even scratched the surface in Grudens playbook.

I also agree we finish the season with Gracia at the helm, he has taken us this far and it's his Playoff to win or lose if he's 110% nothing less.

I don't know if any of you guys attend any training camps in the summer, I got to see 4 this past summer and was blown away by McCown back then. He out played everyone on every play. I couldn't figure out why Garcia was our QB when this kid was blowing out Gradkowski, Simms and Garcia. I mean every play, he stood out like a sore thumb. Then it dawned on me that if Gruden were to start him the Glazers would fire him. He showed the rest of the fans in preseason when he went 16-16 on his first 16 offense plays!! Sunday he just picked up where he left off this past summer.

Any veteran QB would have had a rough time in that game Sunday. Playoff type Atmosphere, Hostile fans, home team with their backs to the wall who were prep to the hilt on wining this game.

Along comes McCown, calm as anything, the poise of a 10 year Pro-bowler especially after those 2 mistakes, you would think with that kind of pressure he would fall apart like most QB put into that same situation. He went thru his reads and fired the ball right on target. Just shows the good coaching he has had the last 3 years.

I don't see Simms coming back, I always though he was our future. McCown was supposed to be Simms's back up, lol.

Anyway, I with Garcia if he's 110%, he deserves the chance to lead this team deep into the playoffs with a chance at the Superbowl, but just think this is a different team with McCown on the field. Go Buc's Go!!

[NMbucsfan]

I don't care what any of you Gruden haters say. Tell me who else, besides a Belichick, would have as much success with a team built of rookies, unproven talents, cast offs, and aging veterans? Grudens' understanding of and passion for the game are unmatched.

[Daniel]

The Bucs report said that Earnest Graham hired Drew Rosenhose as his agent and although he has one year left on his contract, he will be seeking an extension. Hey, Times writers, have you heard about this? Is this true? What are the Bucs chances of giving him that extension?

[Drew]

Gruden deserves a multi-year contract extension. A lot of folks will respond with a variety of reasons why I should be committed to an institution. So before you pass judgement, let me give you the facts.

Fact #1

Tampa won a Superbowl because the defense was ranked the #1 defense that year. When you add the fact Gruden knew all of the nuances of Oaklands offense and defense this equated to a Superbowl win.

Fact #2

The defense was aging and the offense was non existent for the next couple of years but Tampa still managed a playoff appearance.

Fact #3

The re-building process started a couple of seasons ago through free agency and the draft. Tampa is starting to see the benefit of these decisions.

Fact #4

The position coaching changes made this year and the steady growth of the youth movement is part of the reason Tampa is 8-4.

Prediction

Either next season or the following season, we as Buc fans will finally have what we've yearned for, for so many years. A dominating offense and defense. It'll be like a drug, intoxicating the very fabric of our existence. We won't be able to get enough of it. I look forward to the day when I can walk tall, with my head held high as I proclaim, "I'm a proud Buc fan". When I'm afraid to walk into another teams neighborhoods, out of fear of bodily harm because their envious and angry about what the Buc's have accomplished.

[Drew]

Gruden deserves a multi-year contract extension. A lot of folks will respond with a variety of reasons why I should be committed to an institution. So before you pass judgement, let me give you the facts.

Fact #1

Tampa won a Superbowl because the defense was ranked the #1 defense that year. When you add the fact Gruden knew all of the nuances of Oaklands offense and defense this equated to a Superbowl win.

Fact #2

The defense was aging and the offense was non existent for the next couple of years but Tampa still managed a playoff appearance.

Fact #3

The re-building process started a couple of seasons ago through free agency and the draft. Tampa is starting to see the benefit of these decisions.

Fact #4

The position coaching changes made this year and the steady growth of the youth movement is part of the reason Tampa is 8-4.

Prediction

Either next season or the following season, we as Buc fans will finally have what we've yearned for, for so many years. A dominating offense and defense. It'll be like a drug, intoxicating the very fabric of our existence. We won't be able to get enough of it. I look forward to the day when I can walk tall, with my head held high as I proclaim, "I'm a proud Buc fan". When I'm afraid to walk into another teams neighborhoods, out of fear of bodily harm because their envious and angry about what the Buc's have accomplished.

[Tom]

Nick, I agree with you to some degree about McCown. He has one of the best arms we've seen in Tampa since probably Doug Williams. He has very pocket awareness and mobility. You may be right. With time, this kid may be special. However, we need Garcia right now into the playoffs. So let's not talk QB controversy just yet.

It is very refreshing to silence once and for all, the Gruden haters. They fabricate some reasons why Gruden is not a good coach. Yeah, he's made mistakes. But which coach hasn't? I would love for him to grow as a coach here in Tampa. If so, he will be in Canton someday.

[Chet]

There's a reason Gruden had McCown as the 3rd string QB, he must have seen something with how he practiced. Lets also keep in mind, it's not like he made great strides after coming off the PUP list last year. With 2 very bad QB's in Rattay and Gradkowski, I'm sure Gruden would have put McCown in last year if there was even a bit of evidence that he would have produced as he did last week. You can dislike Gruden all you want, but he does know QB's and I'm sure McCown wasn't 3rd string all year because he didn't like him.

It's good to have a backup you have confidence in, makes going into the playoffs feel that much better, but lets remember, he is a backup and if that's the last time he starts for the Bucs, I'd rather it go that way then him playing one game too many (Just like AJ Feeley).

[Chet]

Drew, I have to say that #4 is really proven to be a bigger deal then most may think. The return of Raheem Morris and bringing in Larry Coyer have been huge for this team. I really thought the loss of Tomlin and Marinelli would affect this team for years (especially after the two goofs that were in those spots following them). It's going to be extremely hard for the Bucs to keep Morris around after the transformation of the secondary (Is Buchanon the only one that hasn't gotten better).

[Tom]

This is one of the best blogs I've read. Chet, you're right on again. I've said all year that Raheem Morris is going to be a head coach someday. I sit in the west club and I can see him coaching with passion on the sidelines. Look at the difference he has made with Philips. Buchanon WAS playing better but has dropped off lately. Piscitelli was developing nicely. He would be a starter by now.

Larry Coyer has done a great job on the line as well. Great observation fellas.

[Chet]

Any movement on the Kiffen Contract front? Are the Bucs going to let him walk to Oakland at the end of the season? I really think waiting to the end of the season is a real shot at Kiffen if this isn't something that he's pushed off. When I look at this staff, the only guy who comes to mind as being a candidate for the DC position if Kiffen goes would be Morris. I know Coyer has been one with Denver, but I can't see him being promoted to that spot after one year if Kiffen walks.

[Skylar]

That's interesting Drew; although I agree to an extent with you, every one of your facts are actually opinions.

If Kiffin leaves, I see Coyer taking the helm. Maybe that's why they brought him here in the first place. He was a defensive coordinator, so he has taken a dip to become a position coach. As for Morris, just another head coach in the wings for the Kiffin (not Dungy) coaching tree.

[RICH]

I`ve been a Buc fan since game one. All the losing seasons. Lemon Bennett,Williamson,Perkins....the whole history. McKay was my favorite. When Ronde intercepted the pass from McNabb in the playoff game I almost cried. When we won the Super-Bowl I did cry, not ashamed to say it either. I really love my team...thru thick and thin. When Dungy got us in the playofs I was shocked. I was`nt used to it I quess. I still have that poster of Sapp and Brookes pouring the gatorade on him after they clinched a playoff season for the first time in a million years. I was used to watching other teams play in the playoffs. I was upset when they dumped Dungy I admit, I thought we`d never make it to another playoff game again. Okay then we won the Super-Bowl the first year with Gruden. I figured it was Dungys team still. And in part it was. But now we have been in the playoffs 3 times with Coach Gruden with different players, Man we have a darn good coach now...not saying Dungy isnt one, but we are still in the hunt alot. I love this new Buccaneer team man. So to all you guys out there reading this that are true Buc fans, this is gonna be a fun playoff run. We can go to the big "game" again this year. We have some great young guys and great veterans too. As for the bandwagon fans climb aboard also, your welcome to enjoy this season also. I would love to see them play in the throw-back orange and red uniforms one sunday...and whip some butt wearing them! I wonder how many of you remember Dave Pear or Mark Cotney...LOL!! Thanks for listening everyone and cya ya next week! GO BUCS!

[Tom]

That's great Rich. I would love to see one game with the throwback uniforms also. However, I'm afraid they'll go back to playing like the old days if that happens.

Just something for you to think about. Sapp, Brooks, Nickerson and Lynch (3 future HOF players) were already here when Dungy came to Tampa. 3 of them were drafted by Sam Wyche. So was it really Dungy's team?

[Skylar]

I believe Wyche also drafted Alstott Tom. He was going to mold him as an H-back...remember? However, I believe Dungy drafted Brooks in the same round as Dunn, which was definitely after Wyche. We had E Rhett under Wyche and he held out under Dungy. They drafted Dunn the next year. Rhett and Alstott was a punishing combo; we should have kept Rhett I always thought.

Regardless, I agree that Dungy actually inhereted a pretty talented team and added the final pieces of the puzzle once he got here. I personally think Wyche would have gotten us there more quickly, but he had health issues (throat.)

And remember, John McKay put together a pretty formidable team in the orange and red, only to be dismantled by the greedy Hugh Culverhouse; whom his family does not even like. So don't become too negative when you think back. We had a couple of good seasons in the creamsickles!!!

[Skylar]

Nope, you're right on that one Tom, he did draft Brooks and Sapp in the same round of the 1995 draft. What a freakin' genius he was eh?

[Skylar]

I just looked at Dungy's first draft in 1996 and he took R Upshaw and M Jones and R Lewis went a couple of spots later. Can you imagine how good we would have been if he had taken him instead of Jones? Wow!!! He took Dunn and R Anthony the next year. J Green and BK the next draft. That's two good players in the first two available spots in 3 years. Not so great of a drafter I'd say...

[Daniel]

Skylar, wasn't that Mckay doing the drafting with advice from Tim Ruskell and Jerry Angelo? According to the book "The Draft", Ruskell and Angelo lobbied hard to draft Ronde Barber, although Dungy and then defensive backs coach Herm Edwards had reservations. Obviously Ruskell and Angelo won out. This shows you the influence Dungy really had in the drafts. Not as much as every is giving him credit for.

[Daniel]

Skylar, According to that book, McKay saw the Draft as the domain of the GM and the scouting Dept, although he did seek input from the coaches, the vast majority if the evaluations NEEDED to come from the scouts. McKay didn't think a coach could spend all that time getting a team ready AND evaluate players. It's no wonder him and Gruden didn't see eye to eye and McKay left the team.

[Skylar]

Seeing that Ruskell, McKay and Angelo are all high ranking officials on NFL teams, I'd say you've got some good points Daniel. I appreciate you taking the time to shed some light on the situation. It's a change to read opinions from people who don't just want to hate on others. Actually good insight from someone who actually "reads books," so everybody take note.

[Daniel]

Skylar, Thanks for the kind words. I think everyone that comes to these boards has good insight and opinions, although sometimes it gets lost in all the put downs and sarcasim. I don't know why everyone gets so mad if someones elses opinion is different, it's just an opinion afterall. I try to stay out all the personal stuff, but I don't mind spirited debate with someone who uses facts and logic. The book I mentioned is called "The Draft: A year inside the NFL's seach for talent" by Pete Williams. It revealed that is was Ruskell who took a flyer late in the third round on a slow, undersized, baseball playing saftey out of Sanford named John Lynch. And it was McKay who beleived Warrick Dunn possessed unusual confidence and determination unlike many teams in the NFL, who thought Dunn was too small. Although character was important to all on the Bucs staff at the time, they were willing to overlook Sapps past transgressions, although Ruskell and Angelo investigated Sapps predraft drug rumours themselves. A good read if you can find a copy.